Don't worry, the Moto G and Moto E aren't going anywhere
Contrary to recent speculation, the two unlocked Motorola models will still factor into the company's future lineups.
The Moto G will still be offered by the new Lenovo and Moto brand.
If you're worked up because you read that Moto's parent-company Lenovo plans to remove the Moto G and Moto E from its future lineups, you can relax.
A recent report from China-based site Tech Sina got the rumor mill pumping today with talk that Lenovo would phase out the two budget phones, similar to Lenovo's plans to axe the Motorola brand name itself. Earlier on Tuesday, Motorola Mexico confirmed with CNET en Español that both models are part of the brand's portfolio for 2016.
Translated into English, Motorola Mexico's statement reads: "Xudong's comments [Chen Xudong, Lenovo's head of mobile] were misinterpreted by the Chinese press. We'd like to reinforce that Moto G and Moto E form part of the global portfolio for the Mobile Business Group for 2016."
Motorola US similarly responded: "We have no plans to retire Moto G, our most successful smartphone, or Moto E. We will focus on the Moto and [Lenovo] Vibe product brands moving forward, with each brand having its own purpose and target audiences."
The Moto G and Moto E, which are sold unlocked and without a contract, have been well-received as value buys for people seeking budget phones. Together with higher-end Motorola devices like the Motorola Moto X series form the brand's recurring products.
Motorola Mexico didn't refute earlier attributions from Lenovo president Chen Xudong, who was also said to confirm that Moto-brand phones will feature fingerprint readers and screen sizes of 5-inches or larger in 2016. Reportedly, internal market research and sales indicate that users in Europe and other markets prefer larger smartphone displays.